Fury and frustration have erupted among residents and local authorities in the Larnaca district after a major wildfire broke out on Sunday at the Kalo Chorio firing range during the destruction of National Guard ammunition, threatening nearby communities and prompting evacuation warnings.
Homes and holiday properties in Agia Anna were reportedly narrowly spared as the blaze spread rapidly through the area, while residents of Agia Anna and Psevdas were instructed to prepare for evacuation.
The fire, which was brought under control late in the afternoon, mobilised the Fire Service, the Department of Forests, Civil Defence and a large number of aerial firefighting assets.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by difficult terrain, strong winds and concerns over unexploded ordnance within the firing range.
One volunteer was injured during the operation after falling from a height and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Large areas of pine forest and wild vegetation were destroyed.
Anger over delayed alert
Residents complained that although they became aware of the fire around midday and church bells were sounded to warn people to leave the area, the official Cy-Alert emergency message was not received until hours later.
Agia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou said around 10 elderly residents were moved to Mosfiloti as a precaution.
He criticised what he described as a delayed official response, saying the local authority had acted independently to warn residents because thick smoke had made conditions difficult.
Georgiou also accused the National Guard of carrying out activities at the firing range during periods of high temperatures despite previous objections from local communities.
"These are unacceptable things. It is a crime," he said, arguing that similar plans had previously been halted following protests by local community leaders.
Defence minister orders investigation
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas expressed anger over the incident and described the decision to destroy RPG ammunition under such weather conditions as "unprofessional".
He said the 70th Engineer Battalion appeared not to have followed procedures prohibiting such activities during the summer months.
Palmas announced that an investigation had been ordered to determine the causes of the fire and identify any responsibility.
He said the findings should be available within the next 10 days and pledged that any mistakes would be dealt with strictly.
"Responsibilities will be sought for what happened," the minister said.
Firefighting teams remained in the area overnight as a precaution against possible flare-ups.
